Manipal: The School of Communication, Manipal University is organizing a National Conference on ‘Communication Research in India : Perspectives, Challenges and Prospects’ on 4th and 5th of March, 2016. The Conference will be held at Fortune Inn Valley View, Manipal and will see participation from academicians, students and professionals associated with the media industry. Around 50 delegates will be presenting research papers on the conference theme, as well as on various sub-themes related to it.

Speaking to the media persons at Udupi Press Club, Udupi, Dr. Padma Rani said that the event will be inaugurated by Dr. Binod C. Agrawal, who is a former Director of the Taleem Foundation. He is also Founder Vice Chancellor of Himgiri Zee University and has also served as an advisor at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). He will be accompanied by Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor, Manipal University in inaugurating the function.

Dr. Padma Rani, speaking on the theme of the conference, says “The conference aims to study the many facets of Communication in India such as its rapid growth in the last decade, as well as the prospects and challenges of pursuing communication Research in the country. Therefore, through this conference, School of Communication aims to provide a common forum for people to engage in the discussin of the unique issues that define communication research in India today.”

The first day of the event will witness a plenary session with Indu Shekar Sinha, Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific – BBC World Service. This will be followed by an exclusive academic wirting workshop to be conducted by Dr. Buroshiva Dasgupta, Professor and Director, NSHM Institute of Media and Design. Kolkatta.

The highlight of the second day of the conference will be a planary session with Dr. Bashabi Fraser, Director, Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies, Edinburgh Napier University, UK. The conference will conclude with a Valedictory session to be held on 5th March at 4pm.

Dr. Nandini Lakshmikantha, Director of SOC, will be serving as the Chairperson of the conference, overseeing the various aspects of the event. Supporting her will be Dr. Padma Rani, Associate Director of SOC, in her capacity as the organizing secretary of the conference.

Assistant Professors, Maitreyee Mishra and K. Padmakumar – HOD Corporate Communication comprises the Scientific Committee, while the Technical Committee comprises of Associate Professor Dr. K. Unnikrishnan, Assistant professor Anupa Lewis and Praseed Nair. Mr. A.C. Balaji, HOD-Animation will serve as the treasurer for the event.

School of Communication is a premier media institute offering a bouquet of programme in Media and Communication. The courses/degrees offered range from M.A. Media & Communication to B.A. Media & Communication, M.F.A, BSc, Animation, PhD. And other short term courses. SIC as a media education monolith today facilitates collaboration by way of exchange programmes with Universities in Germany, France, Netherlands, UK, USA, and Australia.

During the press meet, Dr. Padma Rani, Associate Director and Dr. Nandini Lakshmnikantha Director of SOC were present.